2 0 1 0

equine
edition

Publications

WORLD
EQUESTRIAN
GAMES
WITH ABAXIS
VETSCAN EQUIPMENT

ABAXIS ANNOUNCES
AUTOMATED
FIBRINOGEN
TESTING
AT AAEP BOOTH 2317
#

EQUINE CASE STUDIES:

RHABDOMYOLYSIS AND
HEPATIC ABSCESS
2010 Equine Edition 1
 B E T T E R . A C T U A L LY.

Get the First Automated Fibrinogen Test

That’s Cost-Effective and easy to Use
Introducing the VetScan VSpro Fibrinogen Test.
Because Automated Is Better.
Fibrinogen is commonly used in equine medicine as a marker of inflammation.
Now you can actually get rapid, automated fibrinogen testing without the hassles,
delays and cost associated with the “old, manual protocol” of testing or using
commercial lab services. The new VSpro Fibrinogen Test is designed for use with
the simple and portable VSpro specialty analyzer—delivering lab-quality results
right in your office, or barn-side.
• Quantitative results in less than 15 minutes
• State-of-the-art microfluidic technology
• No maintenance required
• Available with carrying case for portable, in-field use

Find out how Abaxis is automating

fibrinogen testing.
1.800.822.2947
vet.abaxis.com/fibrinogen

Visit us at the
AAEP Conference
Booth 2317

The 2010 World Equestrian Games used VetScan

products exclusively during the Games.

Chemistry | Electrolytes | Blood Gases | Hematology | Hormones | Coagulation | Infectious Disease | Rapid Tests

Abaxis, VetScan and iQC are registered trademarks of Abaxis, Inc. i-STAT is a registered
trademark of the Abbott Group of Companies in various jurisdictions. © Abaxis 2010
2 Equ ine Edition 2010
Dateline 12.01.10 ABAXIS
DISTRIBUTORS
United States
Welcome to VetCom Publications’ Special Equine Edition. VetCom American Veterinary Supply
Publications offers the reader clinical case studies, practice tips, 800-869-2510
field updates from afar as well as educational opportunities through DVM Resources
Abaxis University. In every issue we include a forum for veterinarian 877-828-1026
to manufacturer communication and so much more.
Great Western Animal Supply
Abaxis the Official Veterinary Laboratory Equipment Supplier of the 2010 800-888-7247
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games - Kentucky Horse Park, Kentucky Equipment Outreach, Inc.
888-996-9968
Abaxis was privileged to participate in the World Equestrian Games
which is comprised of the world championships for eight equestrian Hawaii Mega-Cor, Inc.
sports. The Games are held every four years, two years prior to 800-369-7711
the Olympic Games, and are governed by the Fédération Equestre IVESCO
Internationale (FEI). The FEI is the international governing body of 800-457-0118
equestrian sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Lextron, Inc.
It is the organization which establishes rules and regulations for the 800-333-0853
conduct of international equestrian events. Today the FEI has over Merritt Veterinary Supply
130 member countries. 800-845-0411
Given that Abaxis was selected to be the exclusive laboratory equipment Nelson Laboratories
provider, we deployed Brian Renn, our Abaxis Regional Account Manager. 800-843-3322
He and a host of not only Abaxis volunteers, but other volunteers from Northeast Veterinary Supply Co.
across the country managed the multitude of tests at various sites over 866-638-7265
the course of 3 weeks. In the end, VetScan equipment ran over 546 Penn Vet Supply
chemistry panels and 672 CBC’s in addition to 250 i-STAT® cartridges. 800-233-0210
Let The Games Begin….. PCI Animal Health
800-777-7241
From the World Equestrian Games to you, contributing authors share
TW Medical
a testament to our products’ ease of use, portability, affordability, 888-787-4483
accuracy and reliability during this critical and exciting time.
Western Medical Supply
Also in this Special Equine Edition, Abaxis announces the highly 800-242-4415
anticipated VetScan Fibrinogen Test – The First Automated Fibrinogen Vet Pharm, Inc.
Test with quantitative results in less than 15 minutes. See us at AAEP, 800-735-8387
booth #2317.
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IN THIS ISSUE Vet Novations

866-382-6937
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Fibrinogen: It’s Use in Equine Medicine 7
Western Drug Distribution
Favorite Fantasy – An Equine Case Study 11 877-329-9332

Hapatic Abscess in a Quarter Horse 14

2010 Equine Edition 3

 The 2010 Alltech FEI
WORLD
EQUESTRIAN
GAMES
trusts Abaxis VetScan
equipment during
the Games

Hagyard Equine Medical Institues

Jennifer Feiner, VMD
WEG Quarantine Unit
Veterinary Leader
Photo courtesy of Brian Renn

4 Equ ine Edition 2010


80 Countries, 800-1000 horses
My quarantine team
and I used the VetScan
VS2 Chemistry analyzer
and the VetScan HM5
Hematology analyzer
at the airport at the
World Equestrian Games
(WEG) in September
and early October
of 2010. The Abaxis
VetScan lab equipment
was invaluable to us in
the quarantine area at
the airport. They were
fast, efficient, accurate
and easy to use. I think
the best way to explain
their value would be
to explain how the
quarantine operated.
All of the horses
competing in the
2010 Alltech World
Equestrian Games
entering the United
States entered though
the Cincinnati Airport
located in northern
Kentucky. Upon arrival
they were all placed in a
private temporary quarantine,
sanctioned by the USDA and
the Kentucky Department of
Agriculture, lasting 42 hours
and located on the airport
grounds before shipping to
the Kentucky Horse Park.
During quarantine, blood
was drawn and the horses
were monitored for signs of
infectious disease. As with
World equestrian games trusts vetscan equipment
Veterinary schools, Veterinary Students and DVM’s from
all over the World used Abaxis laboratory equipment
In our WEG situation
these horses are
under a strict timeline
in which they must
recover from shipping
and be able to then
compete at the best of
their ability. Therefore,
to say that the Abaxis
VetScan equipment
was useful was an
understatement.
In order to make
treatment decisions
quickly and accurately
we needed blood
results that could be
trusted and available
immediately. The Abaxis
VetScan VS2 Chemistry
analyzer and Vetscan
HM5 Hematology
analyzer gave us that
ability.
Over 480 WEG
competition horses
entered through CVG
Team Belgium. Photo courtesy of Brian Renn
airport and with that
over 100 Vetscan
many horses shipping long profiles were used at the
distances, some of the horses airport quarantine area alone.
in quarantine exhibited signs I think I speak for everyone
of mild respiratory illness, when I say the quarantine
as seen by an elevated was a success. It could not
temperature, some with have run as smoothly as it
nasal discharge and some did without the use of the
with a cough. As is the case Abaxis Vetscan laboratory
with most of these horses, equipment.
these mild “shipping fevers”
will resolve with fluids, some – Jennifer Feiner, VMD
requiring anti-inflammatories
and antibiotics.
2010 Equine Edition 5
 ALLTECH WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
USES VETSCAN LAB EQUIPMENT
Contributing Author: Kent Allen, DVM

It has been a pleasure We were not only able

using the Abaxis to use the instruments
products, including the to aid our compromised
VetScan VS2 Chemistry patients, but also to
analyzer, the VetScan monitor many of the
HM5 Hematology healthy athletes and
analyzer, and the catch problems before
VetScan i-STAT®1 they became significant.
Handheld Blood Gas
analyzer, during the These horses travelled
World Equestrian Games long distances to the
in the veterinary clinic. WEG and needed the
These instruments are closest attention to
compact enough to fit ensure they would be
in almost any space and at their best for this
are very straightforward Dr. Allen has served as the United States Equestrian extraordinary event.
to use. We had a Team (USET) veterinarian on several international We have received
significant number of teams and as vice-chairman of the International numerous compliments
volunteer staffers and
Equestrian Federation (FEI) Veterinary Committee from veterinarians
twice. He chairs the United States Equestrian thanking us for having
students utilizing them Federation (USEF) Veterinary and Drug and
and training them to these services available,
Medications Committees for the last twelve years.
use the equipment was which would not
He served as Veterinary Services Coordinator for the
self-explanatory. The 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, and was have been possible
instruments provided the highest ranked veterinary official at the 1999 Pan without the generous
quick turn-around, American Games and the 2000 Sydney Olympic contribution of these
allowing us to make up-
Games. In 2010 he served as the Veterinary Services instruments by Abaxis,
Manager for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Inc.
to-the-minute decisions Games in Lexington Kentucky coordinating all
on our critical cases aspects of veterinary care for the equine athletes. We would also like
during the Games. He is Certified in Equine Locomotor Pathology by to thank Brian Renn
We most appreciated the International Society for Equine Locomotor
of Abaxis for his
these instruments when Pathology. He lectures on sports medicine topics
professional assistance
we needed to assess in the Equine athlete nationally and internationally.
He has served multiple terms on the USEA Board with troubleshooting
patients throughout and training of staff
of Governors and the USEF Board of Directors.
the night after their He has donated countless hours of work on the during the World
strenuous competitions. NAYRC and has served in every veterinary capacity Equestrian Games.
possible at that competition.

6 Equ ine Edition 2010

Fibrinogen
Now available on the VetScan VSpro
its use in Equine Medicine
Contributing Author: Terry C. Gerros, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM

Get the First Automated Fibrinogen Test

That’s Cost-Effective and easy to Use
Introducing the VetScan VSpro Fibrinogen Test.
Because Automated Is Better.

Fibrinogen is an acute phase protein (APP).

It is used clinically as an indicator of systemic
inflammation, both acute and chronic. Early
recognition of systemic inflammation is
essential to formulate and initiate an effective
treatment plan. Inflammation which is not
recognized or is subclinical impairs growth
and performance. Acute phase proteins are
quickly released into the bloodstream in
response to inflamation or injury. Their blood
levels are directly related to the severity
of the underlying condition. By definition,
APP’s are those proteins in which plasma
concentrations increase or decrease by at
least 25% after an inflammatory stimulus.

2010 Equine Edition 7

Fibrinogen - Its Use in Equine Medicine

3. Return to baseline occurs within 1-2 weeks

after the inflammatory process ceases.
Plasma fibrinogen T1/2 is approximately
3 days.

Fibrinogen is a soluble glycoprotein

synthesized by the liver. It is used to diagnose
and monitor a variety of inflammatory
conditions in the horse. Increased fibrinogen
concentration is associated with a wide variety
of inflammatory diseases and may be the only
indicator of inflammation if the accompanying
leukogram is normal.

Plasma fibrinogen may also be increased

with dehydration and may be decreased with
severe hepatic disease because of decreased
production. In cases of DIC, fibrinogen may
be decreased due to increased utilization
(masking the hyperfibrinogenemia associated
with the inflammatory process).

The most frequently measured APP’s in equine

medicine include fibrinogen, serum amyloid
A and haptoglobin. APP’s are also classified
as positive (increasing during inflammation)
or negative (decreasing during inflammation).
Albumin is the negative APP in most species
because it is down-regulated in favor of
increased hepatic synthesis of positive APP’s.
Fibrinogen is commonly used as the positive
APP in equine medicine because of these
factors:

1. Always present in plasma of healthy horses,

with consistent baseline values,
2. Plasma concentration increases up to 10X
in response to inflammation or injury within
24-72 hours,

8 Equ ine Edition 2010

 Fibrinogen - Its Use in Equine Medicine

Plasma protein:fibrinogen (PP:F) ratio

Useful in the interpretation of fibrinogen concentration when
hyperproteinemia is present. This ratio is calculated as:

PP:F ratio = (plasma TP mg/dl – fibrinogen mg/dl)/fibrinogen mg/dl

Normal = 15-20 Dehydration = >20 Inflammation = <15

If the ratio is between 10-15, Normal Hyperfibrinogenemia of inflammation in the

clinical impression and other
diagnostic aids should be
utilized to determine if the
ratio is significant. Ratios <10
are abnormal and support
active inflammation.
The degree of hyperfibrino-
genemia approximates the
severity of disease and can
be used, in-conjunction with
the clinical findings and
other laboratory data, for
determining a treatment
protocol and possibly
prognosis for the primary
disease process. Along with
a CBC, serial fibrinogen
concentrations may be useful
in determining treatment
efficacy. Fibrinogen levels
may be used alone in
determining resolution of the
inflammatory process when
the leukogram is unchanged
or has returned to normal.
There are certain situations
when hyperfibrinogenemia
is normal in the horse.
Fibrinogen may be increased
in foals up to 6 months of
age and during pregnancy
in mares. In foals, fibrinogen
can exceed normal adult
levels and may be attributed
to maturing hepatic function
and not associated with
subclinical disease.
In one study, fibrinogen con-
centration increased (>40%)
in prepartum mares. These
levels can further increase
10% in the immediate post-
partum period, returning to
normal by day 14 after foaling.
Clearly, measuring fibrinogen
concentrations should be
included when performing a
CBC in the horse. Fibrinogen
may be the only indicator
subclinical horse when the
leukogram is within normal
limits.
Fibrinogen also provides
information regarding
treatment efficacy,
prognosis and length
of treatment, especially
considering such conditions
as strangles, pigeon
fever, pleuropneumonia,
omphalophlebitis, septic
arthritis, endometritis,
clostridial myonecrosis,
cellulitis, and endocarditis,
to list a few.

References:
Andrews DA, Reagan WJ, DeNicola DB. Plasma fibrinogen in recognizing equine inflammatory disease. Compend Cont Educ
1994;16:1349-1356.

Crisman MV, Scarratt WK, Zimmerman KL. Blood Proteins adn Inflammation in the horse. Vet Clin: Equine Practice 2008; 24:2;285-297.

Hodgson,J. Protein, Hyperfibrinogenemia, in 2nd ed. Blackwells’ Five-Minute Veterinary Consultant: Equine eds. Lavoie JP, Hinchcliff KW,
2008;636-637.

2010 Equine Edition 9

 B E T T E R . A C T U A L LY.

Your “Lab” Could actually

Be This Comprehensive
Complete Is Better.
Abaxis offers an amazingly comprehensive suite of in-office
laboratory equipment from chemistry to hematology to
rapids—all of which deliver on the universal VetScan promise
of speed, accuracy, simplicity, ergonomics and economics.

Make your lab Better. Actually.

Find out how Abaxis is changing the footprint of point of care.

1.800.822.2947
www.abaxis.com/actually

Chemistry | Electrolytes | Blood Gases | Hematology | Hormones | Coagulation | Infectious Disease | Rapid Tests

Abaxis and VetScan are registered trademarks of Abaxis, Inc. © Abaxis 2010
10 Equine Edition 2010
 A Thoroughbred Mare Case Study
Case of Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
Contributing Author: Greg Fox, DVM
Fox Stables – Lexington, KY

Favorite Fantasy is a 5 year
old thoroughbred mare that
has a better than average
racing career until this year,
earning $191,026 in 35 starts.
She had won or placed in
only 12 of those starts. Her
best performance came in
the winter of 2008 when
she placed 4th beaten by
a nose for third in a Grade
III stake. She has always
been more delicate mentally
than physically. Other
than a chronic, but easily
manageable sore back she
has been very sound.
She was sent to a trainer
in Louisiana for the winter
and her first two starts were
excellent performances,
winning one and finishing
second in the other. The
trainer reported that suddenly
she started “tying-up”. When
she returned in early April
2010, she presented AST
levels >2000, significant
soreness in her back and had
a poor hair coat. While she
displayed some inclinations,
she was not showing the
classic signs of exertional
rhabdomyolysis. In addition,
in my experience and based
on some research reports,
elevated CK values are not
consistently elevated with
exertional rhabdomyolysis.
Diagnostic tests used to
diagnose and evaluate
Favorite Fantasy include a
full chemistry panel using
the VetScan VS2 Chemistry
analyzer with the Equine
Profile Plus rotor and a CBC
using the VetScan HM5
Hematology analyzer.

2010 Equine Edition 11

A Thoroughbred Mare Case Study
Blood chemistry and CBC results from 04/15/10
Analyte Result Range
Na+ 138 126.0 - 146.0
K+ 6.1 2.5 - 5.2
tCO2 31.0 20.0 - 33.0
CK 338.0 120.0 - 470.0
GLU 111.0 65.0 - 110.0
Ca 14.0 11.5 - 14.2
BUN 12.0 7.0 - 25.0
CRE 1.5 0.6 - 2.2
AST >2000.00 175.0 - 340.0
TBIL 2.6 0.5 - 2.3
GGT 21.0 5.0 - 24.0
ALB 3.6 2.2 - 3.7
TP 6.7 5.7 - 8.0
GLOB 3.1 2.7 - 5.0
Test Result Range
WBC 10.59 5.4 - 14.3
LYM 3.68 1.5 - 7.7
MON 0.25 0.0 - 1.5
NEU 6.53 2.3 - 9.5
EOS 0.12 0.0 - 1.0
BAS 0.01 0.0 - 0.03
LY% 34.8 17.0 - 68.0
MO% 2.3 0.0 - 14.0
NE% 57.1 22.0 - 80.0
EO% 1.0 0.0 - 10.0
BA% 0.1 0.0 - 2.0
RBC 11.91 6.8 - 12.9
HGB 19.5 11.0 - 19.0
HCT 50.38 32.0 - 53.0
MCV 42.0 37.0 - 59.0
MCH 16.4 12.3 - 19.7
MCHC 38.8 31.0 - 39.0
RDWc 23.3 RDWc 24.3
PLT 68.0 100.0 - 400.0
PCT 0.04 PCT 0.06
MPV 5.9 MPV 7.3
PDWc 24.6 PDWc 34.2
WBC
28 9?06 400
EOS
118 400
RBC
12 200
PLT
12 50
12 Equine Edition 2010
Post exercise blood chemistry and CBC results from 05/20/10
Analyte Result Range
Na+ 137 126.0 - 146.0
K+ 4.6 2.5 - 5.2
tCO2 22.0 20.0 - 33.0
CK 283.0 120.0 - 470.0
GLU 135.0 65.0 - 110.0
Ca 13.1 11.5 - 14.2
BUN 13.0 7.0 - 25.0
CRE 1.7 0.6 - 2.2
AST 416 175.0 - 340.0
TBIL 2.5 0.5 - 2.3
GGT 21.0 5.0 - 24.0
ALB 3.5 2.2 - 3.7
TP 6.6 5.7 - 8.0
GLOB 3.1 2.7 - 5.0
Test Result Range
WBC 7.63 5.4 - 14.3
LYM 2.80 1.5 - 7.7
MON 0.39 0.0 - 1.5
NEU 4.36 2.3 - 9.5
EOS 0.08 0.0 - 1.0
BAS 0.01 0.0 - 0.03
LY% 36.7 17.0 - 68.0
MO% 5.1 0.0 - 14.0
NE% 57.1 22.0 - 80.0
EO% 1.0 0.0 - 10.0
BA% 0.1 0.0 - 2.0
RBC 9.20 6.8 - 12.9
HGB 14.2 11.0 - 19.0
HCT 40.87 32.0 - 53.0
MCV 44.0 37.0 - 59.0
MCH 15.4 12.3 - 19.7
MCHC 34.7 31.0 - 39.0
PLT 84.0 100.0 - 400.0
WBC
26 89 92 400
EOS
118 400
RBC
8 200
PLT
8 50

In addition to treating
exertional rhabdomyolysis in
regards to dietary changes
by increasing fat content
and lowering starch levels
(with a combination of oats
and timothy hay), I found
that some horses are thyroid
responsive with respect to
exertional rhabdomyolysis.
Therefore, thyroid supple-
mentation was also added
to her diet and I found a
corresponding decrease in
AST levels to 822 on April 27,
2010. She was also given a 30
day long acting progesterone
injection to keep her from
cycling. She was training
well at that time and gaining
weight, approximately 50
lbs. Despite the still elevated
AST levels, I chose to rely
on her physical appearance,
which resulted in a poor
performance on April 28th.
She continued to train well
following the race and her
levels continued to drop.
• April 20th 2010 her AST level was >2000
• April 27th 2010 her AST level was 822
• May 11th 2010 her AST level was 559
• May 20th 2010 her AST level was 416
At slightly above the upper
normal range of AST, Favorite
Fantasy ran on May 24th and
won. Although it was much
easier company, her speed
figure was one of her best.
Favorite Fantasy continues
to be a diagnostic and
therapeutic challenge. She
has been unable to maintain
her AST levels as close to
the normal range and her
recent race record reflects
that. I am not convinced that
this is a typical case as her
CK levels have never been
elevated but will maintain
the current regimen in
managing her unique case of
exertional rhabdomyolysis.
The consistent use of the
VetScan VS2 Chemistry
A Thoroughbred Mare Case Study
analyzer dramatically helped
the health management of
Favorite Fantasy. The ability
to monitor her chemistry and
hematology levels quickly
and accurately provides me
with the ability to adjust her
treatment protocol, exercise
regimen and dietary protocol
quickly and effectively.
The VS2 is very simple to
operate provides reliable
sensitive data. I have used
the system intensively to
monitor several horses that
have shown unusually high
muscle enzyme levels which
has allowed me to customize
their training intensity to
accommodate their subtle
differences in training
recovery rates.
2010 Equine Edition 13
Hepatic Abscess A two year old QH colt was

in a Quarter Horse presented for poor growth

and unthrifty body condition.
At presentation, the colt was
Contributing short in stature, in poor body
Author: condition and lethargic. He had
Terry C. Gerros a temperature of 101.4°, heart
DVM, MS,
Diplomate, rate of 52 beats per minute
ACVIM and was tachypneic (36 bpm).
Auscultation of the thorax was
within normal limits. There
were no other abnormal findings
from the physical exam.
Initial laboratory evaluation consisted of
a CBC with fibrinogen, serum chemistry
profile and urinalysis. The significant
laboratory abnormalities included a
neutrophilic leukocytosis (35,000/ul) and
hyperfibrinogenemia (1200 mg/dl). The PCV
was 33% and total protein concentration
was 7.8 g/dl. The serum chemistry profile
was normal except for a mildly elevated
serum alkaline phosphatase. This isolated
abnormality was not considered significant
or predictive of any particular body system
abnormality. The urinalysis was normal. At
this time, the working diagnosis was that
of an occult internal abscess.

Thoracic radiographs were obtained and

an abdominal ultrasound performed. The
radiographs of the thorax were considered to
be within normal limits. Abdominal ultrasound
showed multiple, round oval mass lesions

14 Equine Edition 2010

 Hepatic Abscess in a Quarter Horse

Submit a
around the splenic and hepatic hilus. This finding was
consistent with lypmphadenopathy. There was also a single
Case Study
7 cm mass outlined within the left side of liver. Ultrasound- and Win a
guided aspiration of the mass resulted in removal of 200 cc
of a purulent fluid. The fluid was cultured for bacterial VetScan
growth. The abscess cavity was lavaged and sclerosed with a
1% formalin solution. The formalin solution was aspirated and Product
Of Your
ultrasound revealed a collapsed cavity. Both beta hemolytic
Staphylococcus aureus and an unidentified gram negative
anaerobic rod were cultured. Common antibiotic sensitivity
was limited to oxytetracycline and rifampin. A long-term Choice.
intravenous catheter was placed and antibiotic treatment
initiated. Intravenous oxytetracycline and oral rifampin was If you have a case
initially given for 14 days. At that time the liver was reexamined study that includes how
and the abscess was found to be reduced in size by 50%. your in-clinic laboratory
system has made
Follow-up CBC and fibrinogen were evaluated. Though a difference and your
there remained a neutrophilic leukocytosis (20,200/ul) and
case study is published
hyperfibrinogenemia (600 mg/dl), the values were trending
in VetCom - you could
towards normal. Plasma protein was 7.2 g/dl.
win a VetScan product.
Calculation of Plasma Protein:Fibrinogen (PP:F) ratio can
Send your case studies to:
be helpful in determining treatment efficacy and treatment
length. Initially the PP:F ratio was evaluated, the ratio was Valerie Goodwin-Adams
5, confirming inflammation. The value of the calculated valeriegoodwin@abaxis.com
ratio after two weeks of treatment was 11, suggesting that
although inflammation was still present, it was under control. Open to owners and principals
of veterinary practices, research
The ability to measure fibrinogen concentration and facilities, academic environments
calculating the PP:F ratio allows the practitioner to more and pharmaceutical/biotech
companies.
closely evaluate treatment efficacy and to reduce the overall
treatment period. In this particular case, it was recommended
to continue treatment and additional 14 days as there was
still evidence of residual abscess on ultrasound examination.

Follow up CBC and fibrinogen at the end of the second two

week period were within normal limits. The PP:F ratio was
calculated and found to be 18, which is within normal limits.
Ultrasound of the liver at that time revealed no evidence of
abscess. Also noted was a significant weight gain during the
treatment period, further supporting a return to health.

2010 Equine Edition 15

 What’s On
Your Mind?
We’d like to know.
  ver the years the Animal
O
Health industry has told us how
much they appreciate all of the
valuable information and insight
that they receive from their
VetCom subscription.
That’s always great for us to hear because we strive to ensure that each issue
of VetCom is packed with case studies and real-world experiences from your
peers, as well as updates on the latest news from Abaxis. But we’d like to
make this a two-way street. So we encourage you to contact VetCom editors
with your thoughts, questions, experiences and concerns. It's another channel
to ensure that everyone here at Abaxis is surpassing the expectations of our
customers and the marketplace.

If you have a question we’ll answer it. If you have a tip or valuable experience
we’ll share it. If you have a suggestion we’ll take it to heart. We’ll be sharing
many of your letters and emails in upcoming editions of VetCom and together
we’ll make this an extended and engaging conversation.

So let us hear from you. We promise that we’re listening.

Sincerely,
Valerie Goodwin-Adams Craig Tockman, DVM
Editor in Chief Director - Professional Services
VetCom Publications Medical Editor - VetCom

Send Your Correspondence To: VetCom@abaxis.com

VetCom is also available online Abaxis, Inc. - Animal Health Abaxis Europe
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16 Equine
Abaxis, Edition
VetScan 2010
and iQC are registered trademarks of Abaxis, Inc. © Abaxis 2010 i-STAT is a registered trademark of the Abbott Group of Companies in various jurisdictions. 888-9300 Rev. AA